The Andrews Labor Government is supporting women, children and families across Melbourne’s outer east with the state-wide rollout of The Orange Door Network taking another step towards completion. Minister for Prevention of Family Violence Gabrielle Williams has announced the opening of The Outer Eastern Orange Door Network, which is providing support for families across the Knox, Maroondah, and Yarra Ranges local government areas.
“When experiencing family violence, reaching out for help may be the hardest thing a person will do. We are making sure that accessing advice and support is as easy as possible, no matter where you live.” Minister Williams commented “We are already seeing the power of services working together to support child and family wellbeing, with thousands of people accessing the Orange Door since it began – now, more families across Melbourne’s east have access to the support they need, closer to home.”
“The Outer East Orange Door will offer a streamlined way for women, children, young people and families to get the help they need, in a secure and compassionate environment, closer to home.” Member for Eastern Metropolitan Region Sonja Terpstra commented.
Minister Williams explained that the Orange Door network in the Outer East is a strong partnership between Anglicare Victoria, Boorndawan Willam Aboriginal Healing Service, Eastern Domestic Violence Outreach Service, the Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency and the Victorian Government. The Minister added that local residents can access support by phone and email, or face-to-face in Croydon, with further sites also planned in the Yarra Ranges and across the region – ensuring that help and support is available no matter where you live.
The Minister said that the Orange Door Network is a free service for adults, children and young people who are experiencing or have experienced family violence, and families needing support with the wellbeing and development of their children. Minister Williams also said that It brings together workers from specialist family violence, men’s, Aboriginal and child and family services, to provide coordinated, multi-disciplinary support, including crisis assistance and support, risk assessments, safety planning and wellbeing support.
Minister Williams said that the Orange Door network, a key recommendation of the landmark Royal Commission into Family Violence, has assisted more than 216,000 people across Victoria, including more than 87,000 children, since it commenced in 2018. The Minister added that Victoria is leading the nation with its work to end family violence, with more than $3.7 billion invested since the Royal Commission into Family Violence – more than every other state and territory combined, and more than the Commonwealth.
